“She’s getting another dog, isn’t she?” I ask, my voice tinged with amusement.
“I fucking hope not.” He pulls out a cigar and uses a cutter to slice the cap off. After lighting it, he hands it to me.
I bring it to my mouth and draw in, savoring the taste, before blowing out the smoke.
“Zara’s back in Crown Village. Her parents are holding a vigil for her sister’s ten-year anniversary.”
“Has it really been ten years?” he asks, surprised. “I remember you telling us about her.”
“Mom had the police on our payroll. She also paid for a private investigator. I will never understand how Misty just vanished.”
“But that’s it. People don’t vanish. So what happened?”
“Misty was home because she was sick. The Pratts’ camera shows her leaving the house in her car, but she never returned. She told my brother she would meet him at our mom’s house, but she never showed up.”
“How was she acting?”
“No difference in behavior apart from being sick. She was the happiest I think I’d ever seen her.”
He glances away as if thinking, before looking back at me. “What about social media or bank accounts?”
I draw in the smoke from the cigar and blow it out slowly through my mouth. “No social media accounts were accessed. They went through her laptop but found nothing to suggest she was leaving. No bank accounts were ever accessed, and they never found the car.”
Reaper scratches his jaw. “Do you think she left?”
“I’d known her for most of her life, and not once would I have suspected she would leave, but it’s either that or a kidnapping. She wasn’t a child. She was a grown teenager. We lived in Crown Village. Someone would have seen it. My mom offered a million-dollar reward for any information that would lead to finding Misty. They would have come forward by now.”
“You mentioned a vigil? We’ll be there for you, no questions asked.”
My chest loosens. “Thanks.”
“Will they need any help to set up?”
“My brother didn’t say much. It’s at the amusement park.”
He gives me a blank stare. “That’s an odd place for a vigil.”
“It was Misty’s favorite place, so it’s more sentimental.”
He puts his hand on my shoulder. “Anything you need, brother, just let us know.”
The next day, I lie in bed. I didn’t sleep well last night. I’ve been in a daze, going through the motions. I can’t get Zara out of my head. All I can think about is she probably hates me, but I hate myself more for lying to her about the real reason I broke up with her. I’ve lived with regret ever since.
I didn’t want to break up with her, but I had pressure from her family to do the right thing by her. I was the only one keeping her here. It came down to her safety and well-being. Even though I was selfish and wanted to keep her, I knew if something ever happened to her, I’d never forgive myself.
Nine
Burning with Desire
Zara
I smile a genuine smile.Going out for breakfast and shopping with Mom was enjoyable. I was happy to get out of the house. Apart from what felt like running into every person in Crown Village, it was great to spend time with Mom. I’ve missed her quirky comments that make me laugh. It hurt a little when Mom was talking about the vigil with others in the town, but everyone was sympathetic and respectful.
Since moving away, I’ve grown used to living in the city and keeping to myself, but I love Crown Village’s small-town vibe, especially when everyone gathers as a community. I guess I wish it was for a different reason. Rubbing my forehead, I wince. I have a terrible headache that hasn’t gone away all day, probably because of seeing the Harts in an hour.
I look in the mirror at the third outfit I’ve put on. The first was my favorite tight black dress, but I didn’t want to look like I was trying to impress Knox. Second was jeans and a casual shirt, but secretly, I wanted to look good to show him what he’s been missing all this time. I think the casual black maxi dress is the winner. It still shows off my curves, but it doesn’t look like I’m trying too hard.
I lift my best-friends necklace over the top of the dress. My hand goes to the ring Knox gave me. I pull it higher up my finger. “Should I?”
